Court Officer

call on witnesses and administer the prescribed oath to jurors and witnesses

administer the jury roster and post court lists on notice boards

keep records of court processes served

enforce court decisions by executing court orders, and serving legal orders and documents such as summonses or subpoenas

maintain the orderly conduct of court and hearing rooms and adjacent areas

attend to judges or magistrates, escorting them from chambers to the courtroom

record and protect exhibits tendered in court and pass them to participants during the hearing

maintain security, care and control of jury panels

liaise with the judiciary, police department and legal professionals, and advise the public on legal procedures and practices

run the court registries and maintain the court files

open and close court and hearing room proceedings

organise furniture for court and hearing rooms

allocate rooms for use by legal practitioners

prepare audiovisual equipment for court and hearing rooms

escort prisoners to and from courtrooms

summon potential jurors to court.

Specialisations:

Bailiff

A bailiff attends to the needs of the jury throughout a trial and 'swears in' the jurors and witnesses during court proceedings. They may also serve writs, summonses and other court orders.

Clerk of Court

A clerk of court prepares documentation of court proceedings, actions and decisions; attends court sessions; and assists judges and magistrates.

Court Registrar

A court registrar prepares the daily court list, maintains court records and handles the accounting and distribution of money paid to the court.

Sheriff

A sheriff is responsible for providing court security and support services, managing the jury system and serving the orders issued by courts and tribunals. They also undertake administrative tasks, such as processing people appearing before the courts for trial or sentencing.

Court officers are required to liaise between the magistracy, legal practitioners and members of the public.